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Creating an account for IRS.gov

You’ll need an account with Login.gov or IDMe to securely sign in to your IRS account and services on IRS.gov. The IRS uses these sign-in providers to protect your privacy and data through identity verification. You must be age 18 or older to create an account.

 

Have a Login.gov or IDMe account?

You only need one account to sign in to the IRS. Select an IRS account or service to sign in.

If you have a Login.gov account that you haven’t used to sign in to IRS.gov, you may need to re-verify your identity.

On this page

Choosing an account

How to create an account

Help with common issues

How your information is protected 

IRS accounts and services

Choosing an account

An account with Login.gov or IDMe lets you securely sign in to your IRS account and services on IRS.gov. You only need one account to sign in. 

What to know:

  • Login.gov is the U.S. government’s sign-in service for secure access to government websites. The U.S. government maintains the Login.gov system.
  • IDMe is a private sector sign-in provider for secure access to government and non-government websites. IDMe maintains the IDMe system.
  • Both providers meet federal security standards. Both let you securely sign in to IRS.gov and other government sites. Learn how your information is protected.

If any of these apply to you, choose IDMe:

  • You have an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
  • You live outside the U.S. 
  • You don’t have a smartphone or tablet with a camera

How to create an account

Creating a Login.gov account is a 2-part process. First set up your account. Then, verify your identity only once.

What you’ll need

 To create an account:
  • A Social Security number
  • A personal email address 
  • A unique password with at least 12 characters
  • An authentication method, like an authentication app, face or touch unlock, or a cell phone with texting 
To verify your identity: 
  • Smartphone or tablet with a camera, not a webcam
  • Social Security number (SSN)
  • Driver’s license, state ID or U.S. passport book or card
  • U.S. phone number or mailing address

Steps to create an account

  1. Select the IRS account or service you need
  2. Select sign in or create account button, if applicable. Then select the Log.gov button 
  3. Follow the steps to create a Login.gov account
  4. Verify your identity with Login.gov

Create account help | Verify identity help with Login.gov

An IDMe account is called a wallet. Creating an IDMe wallet is a 2-part process. First set up your wallet. Then, verify your identity only once.

What you need for IDMe

To create a wallet:
  • A Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
  • A personal email address 
  • A unique password with at least 8 characters 
  • Multifactor authentication protection, like an authentication app, face or touch unlock, or a cell phone with texting

IDMe create account help

To verify your identity:
  • A Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
  • A valid government-issued photo ID such as a: 
    • Driver’s license or state ID
    • Passport or passport card

Documents to verify your identity with IDMe

Steps to create a wallet

  1. Select the IRS account or service you need
  2. Select sign in or create account button, if applicable. Then select the IDMe button 
  3. Follow the steps to create a wallet and verify your identity

Create wallet help | Verify your identity help with IDMe

Help with common issues

Get help creating an account, signing in or verifying your identity at the Login.gov help center or IDMe help center.

The best way to find out if you already have a Login.gov or IDMe account is to try to create a new one.

To create a new account, go to the IRS account or service you need. Select sign in or create account, then select Login.gov or IDMe. 

If you already have an account when you try to create a new one, the sign-in service provider will tell you. You can then try to reset your password. 

Get assistance at Login.gov help center or IDMe help center.

To get your information without signing in:

  • Select the IRS account or service you need
  • Select sign in or create account link if you aren’t already directed there
  • Select the link below the IDMe and Login.gov buttons, Get your information without signing in 

Get assistance at Login.gov help center or IDMe help center. If you’re unable to verify your identity with one sign-in service provider, try the other provider.

To get your information without signing in:

  • Select the IRS account or service you need
  • Select sign in or create account link if you aren’t already directed there
  • Select the link below the Login.gov and IDMe buttons, Get your information without signing in

Get help creating an IDMe wallet and verifying your identity if you live outside the U.S. and have a Social Security number (SSN).

Get help creating an IDMe account and verifying your identity if you have an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

If you get any of these error messages, follow the steps described:

  • EC 6000 - A security condition is preventing you from accessing this IRS online service. You won't be able to use the service at this time. Select view your alternatives on the error page to find other options to complete your transaction.
  • EC 6001 - The name on your account doesn't match what the Social Security Administration has on file. You may need to update your name on IDMe.
  • EC 6101 - You verified your identity without using a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN). The IRS currently requires one of these to access IRS accounts and services.

Scammers are constantly evolving and trying to find new ways to access your personal information. To secure your account:

  • Use a strong, unique password
  • Don’t reuse passwords
  • Never share your credentials to sign in to your account

If you think you were scammed or had your information stolen, sign in to your account and change your password. Then report it to us.

We never call, email or send text messages asking you to provide information or sign in to get a transcript or update your profile. Report a fake IRS email or message.

How your information is protected

As sign-in providers that must meet federal standards, Login.gov and IDMe need to store certain information about you. For more details about how each provider stores and uses this information, please see their privacy policies at Login.gov and IDMe.

IRS accounts and services

One Login.gov or IDMe account lets you sign in to most IRS accounts and services.

Select the IRS account or service you need, then follow the steps to sign in or create an account. 

IRS accounts

Individual services 

Business and tax professional services

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